Ancient burial site discovered in Kerry

1/3. The excavated tomb at Killaclohane in Co Kerry.

 
Archeologists have uncovered what they believe to be the remains of the first settlers in the south-west, dating back almost 6,000 years old.

The remains of what are thought to be two people, one adult and one adolescent, were discovered following excavations at a neolithic structure near Milltown, Co Kerry.

Analysis of the human remains reveal they were cremated post-mortem but further analysis will reveal if the bones found belong to more than two humans. County archaeologist with Kerry County Council, Michael Connolly said the find was one of the most significant in the county and the first indication of settlement, where people stayed in the area and started to farm the land.

The discovery was made near the dolmen or portal tomb at Killaclohane in Milltown, the oldest intact structure in the county.

The land owner, Ken O’Neill, had noticed the cap on the dolmen — which dates back to 3,800 BC — appeared to be loose and alerted the council. Other items recovered in the dig include a number of arrowheads, scrapers, and a flint javelin head, along with fragments of neolithic pottery. [...] Irish Examiner / Link 2